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K-State Today

February 4, 2013

Hightower featured at 'Dancing with the K-State Stars'

Submitted by Audrey Taggart-Kagdis

“Dancing with the Stars” professional Chelsie Hightower

Get ready to groove with Union Program Council, or UPC, and “Dancing with the Stars” professional Chelsie Hightower at the fifth annual “Dancing with the K-State Stars.” The competition pairs K-State “stars” with dance professionals in a dance-off for the coveted mirror ball trophy.

For season five of “Dancing with the K-State Stars,” Union Program Council will host Hightower as a guest performer and competition judge along with professional dance partner Sasha Farber and David Ollington, associate professor in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Hightower has been dancing as a “Dancing with the Stars” professional for seven out of the last eight seasons of the show. The dance veteran was also a competitor on the fourth season of the hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance,” making it to the top six.

K-State dance couples spend several hours preparing their two-minute routines, choreographed by the dance professional. The audience will see performances by K-State students and faculty ranging from the merengue to country swing, from East Coast swing and salsa to the waltz and West Coast swing, as well as a featured performance from Hightower and Farber.

This year’s class includes Grant Hill, student body vice president; Ross Jensby, student senator, tuba player in the K-State marching band and UPC entertainment co-chair; Blair Kocher, K-State admissions representative; Emilee Taylor, speaker of the student senate and Courtney Traxson, K-State volleyball player. The professionals include Lexi Casey, Karla Comacho-Godoy, Janet Galloway, Jeremy Kemberling, Mike Offerman and Chris Zimmerman.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 in McCain Auditorium. Hightower will have a meet-and-greet immediately following the show. Tickets to the dance competition are free for K-State students and $5 for non-students. Tickets for the meet-and-greet with Hightower are $5. Taxes and fees apply. To get tickets, visit the McCain box office or call 785-532-6428.

For more information and a complete list of all UPC activities, visit k-state.edu/upc or call the UPC office at 785-532-6571.